How Much Exercise Is Too Much?

Most people don't work out enough, but it's also possible that you may be over-exercising. Here, experts weigh in how much exercise is too much, as well as what you need to know about over-exercising and overtraining syndrome.

April 30, 2025 · 3 min · 495 words · John Davis

Table of Contents

Wondering if you’re able to exercise too much?

Experts weigh in with everything you better know about overtraining.

You probably know it’s possible to get toolittleexercise.

But did you know it’s possible to get too much?

But how much exercise is too much?

How little is too little?

And how do you know when you’ve found your sweet spot?

Let’s dive in.

Can You Exercise Too Much?

The answer is yes.

When it comes toexercise, you might think more isalwaysbetter, but that’s not true.

When you exercise, you’re breaking down yourmuscle fibers.

Fail to give your body those things, and you interfere with your body’s ability to get stronger.

Is overtraining syndrome something the general population needs to worry about?

Generally speaking, no.

Are You Getting “Too Little” Exercise?

you’re able to look to theU.S.

During moderate aerobic activity, you’ve got the option to still talk but will be breathing hard.

You won’t be able to talk much during vigorous aerobic exercise.)

They also encourage doing workouts that improve your balance and build muscular strength two or more times weekly.

Tally up your weekly activity and realize you’re getting less than the recommended amount?

But that doesn’t give you a free pass to stay sedentary!

Try adding 10 minutes of movement to your schedule daily (such as thiskettlebell abs workoutor thisinterval workout.)

Again, those are theminimumrecommended amounts of activity.

(The study looked at people who consumed 1,200-2,000 calories daily.)

In practice, that looks like working out for one hour, five days a week.

“A good training schedule takes [all those things] into account,” she says.

(Ex: Here’show to build the perfect workout plan to build muscleorfor weight loss.)

), explains Luciani.

That’s because your body isn’t adequately recovering between sessions.

Remember: Your muscles get bigger and stronger when you leave the gym, not when you’re there.

This messes with your stress hormone (cortisol), interfering with your metabolism andleading to weight gain.

But three, four, five, or six days after?

So next time you’re hobbling up the stairs, think about the timing of your last leg day.

You’re Moody AF

“Overtraining syndrome can seriously affect your mental health.

Usually, that’s true!

But exercise too much and your sleep quality goes down the drain.

Usually, the difference is substantial enough that you don’t need aheart rate monitorto notice it.

and feel your heart racing, that might indicate you’re over-exercising.

This may be asign of compulsive exerciseand exercise addiction.

Your healthcare provider may recommend that you see a therapist who treats compulsive exercise or eating disorders.

Healing from Overtraining Syndrome

Some of the symptoms sound familiar.

It starts by chatting up a healthcare provider.

), says Luciani.

Usually, experts will suggest going at least one week without any exercise to help your body reset.

And, of course, it’s important to actually follow the program when a rest day is scheduled!

Also, consider keeping a fitness feelings journal.

The Bottom Line

Getting the recommended amount of exercise is important.